Personal issues: Mitch Clark on leave

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MITCH Clark will spend an indefinite timeframe away from the Melbourne Football Club to deal with his wellbeing.

The Demons have recently granted personal leave to the forward and will continue to work closely with him and his doctors.

AFL.com.au and The Footy Show have been aware of Clark's health issues for some time, and it is only with the player's and the club's authorisation that this article is being published.

No one at the club, or Clark himself, knows when he will return.

The key position forward has suffered serious foot problems since joining the Demons from the Brisbane Lions two years ago.

He has also struggled with soft tissue injuries during the pre-season.

The Demons released a statement late on Saturday night saying Clark has been granted personal leave due to health reasons.

The statement also said: "some of the challenges Mitch is facing may require some time to overcome, and as a result he will be away from the club for an extended period of time."

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said: "The club’s main priority is to provide Mitch with the help he needs during this time. Clearly football comes last in this situation - Mitch is also overcoming a calf injury, and will continue to rehab and condition his physical injury during this period.

"Everyone at the club is behind Mitch and will support him in every way possible.”